Rep. Israel Calls on New York State and FEMA to Deliver Generators to Gas Stations without Power; IBEW/NECA Offers Manpower to Install Generators

Press Release

Today, Rep. Steve Israel (D -- Huntington) called on New York State and FEMA to deliver generators to gas stations around Long Island that currently have gas, but lack the power needed to pump the gas. Once generators arrive, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) have offered the manpower to install them using their electrical contractors.

"We are facing a gas crisis on Long Island," Israel said. "State and federal officials have made progress on re-opening the ports to improve supply but 70 percent of gas stations still lack power. In addition to ensuring power is restored, I am calling on New York State and FEMA to get generators delivered immediately to gas stations that have gas but no power, so we can get the gas pumping again. I also applaud IBEW and NECA members for offering their valuable services to then get these generators up and running."

Kevin Harvey, Business Manager of IBEW Local 25 said, "When Congressman Israel asked if we would be able to lend a hand to get these generators up and running and get gas to Long Islanders, we told him we would absolutely help out. We are proud to offer assistance and the services of IBEW Local 25 and Long Island NECA."

Joe Gathard, president of the Long Island Chapter of NECA, said, "I fully support this effort, which will help residents on Long Island. Our contractors are willing and able to help."

Rep. Israel is recommending a three-pronged approach to get Long Island gas stations the power that they need to pump gas. First, he's calling for New York State and FEMA to deliver generators. In order to decide where to install the generators, Israel is calling on LIPA to give a sense of which stations they believe will be without power for the longest. Finally, IBEW and NECA members have offered their services to install the generators.